Packing up a Kiwanis Christmas

December 23, 2001|By Michael Jones

Carts now empty, the person or persons pushing get back in line ready to begin the process all over again. It's the night of the annual Kiwanis food basket program when families and friends, young and old, gather together as a caring community to box up a good Christmas for those less fortunate this year and who can use a helping hand.

This year was no different from others as first-time rookies and seasoned veterans rubbed elbows, filling carts for a common cause. For Karla Anderson and husband, Jim, this marks the 13th year the couple have participated in the event. Cub Scout Anthony Lysiak and his mom, Cindi, are new to the community-wide project but had no trouble "catching on" to the routine of fill the cart empty the cart fill it back up.

"Anthony's Cub Scout leader asked the boys if they would come here tonight to help," said Cindi. "I think it's good for them. It teaches them that it's better to give than to receive."

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And those receiving this year are up from last year's numbers. Kiwanis Club member Steve Riozzi, and organizer of this year's program, said they will be making up 400 baskets this year, compared to 350 a year ago. "I think the economy has had a lot to do with the numbers being up. One of the problems, though, is we are down about 40 percent on the total food collected. Again, I think it's the economy. Regardless of that, it's just amazing the number of groups and agencies and schools who have helped out to make this successful."

Wide-eyed baby Isabelle Head takes in the goings on from the view of the baby carrier on the back of her mother Heather Head. "I've been doing this since I was a little kid," said Heather. "What do they call us? Kiwanis kids? It's for a great cause and we'll be back next year."